Automated Screw Thread Quality Checking

The requirement for strict specification and acceptance of all automotive parts and components has greatly increased in recent years. Screw thread inspection is no exception. The common practice of eddy current probes, lasers, proximity sensors or vision systems are only partly successful as they only inform you of the presence of a thread, not if it's correct or within tolerance. The unique low-cost SMAC solution enables you to automatically check the following screw thread parameters:

Oversize or undersized threads

Cross threads

Thread depth

No threads

Mis-located threads

Thread pitch

Shallow or blocked hole

Automatically checks for:

Minor diameter out of spec

Major diameter out of spec

Pitch diameter out of spec

Pitch

Foreign objects (e.g. broken tap, swarf etc)

Double tapped thread

Thread depth

Missing threads

Cylindericity

The automated thread checking solution from SMAC enables a 100% detailed inspection and verification of all parts. It also identifies tool wear sooner, and allows SPC data acquisition for process control and quality systems. All of this translates to higher quality and throughput, lower costs and increased customer confidence.

An optional Thread Check Graphical User Interface (GUI) is also available. Graphical User Interface, SMAC-Motion, provides a simple and straightforward way to quickly configure motion parameters of a variety of SMAC single/dual axis actuators and controllers.

Oil Pan Thread Checking
Oil pan threads were checked using a plug thread gauge coupled directly to the end of the shaft of the SMAC actuator.

Wheel Bearing Casting
The system checked for shallow tap, undersize or oversize threads and chamfer depth. Cycle time <2 seconds.

Fuel Valve
Five SMAC LAR55s were used to check threads and adjust valve flow rate at the same time.